Sagar Parekh: Real struggle began after my first show Gumrah… it took me time to understand the industry, especially how it works

 Sagar Parekh: Real struggle began after my first show Gumrah… it took me time to understand the industry, especially how it works. He is currently seen in Tera Yaar Hu Mein!

 
While studying in Mussoorie, Sagar Parekh wanted to join his family business. He has always been inclined towards becoming an entrepreneur, but his mother had some other plans for him. And, it seems God was on his mother’s side too. She encouraged him to move to Mumbai from Patna to pursue acting. And, the rest, as they say, is history. The actor, who has done shows such as Internet Wala Love, Rajaa Betaa, Meri Gudiya, and presently a part of Tera Yaar Hoon Main, talks about his journey so far, changes he has seen in the industry, struggles and more:

How did you get your first break?
There was an ad on Facebook that was about the requirement of a young actor for Gumrah. My mother sent my pictures to the casting director without much hope. But within 5-10 minutes she got a call. Initially, she thought someone was playing a prank but then the makers told her that I am being finalised for the role and they are going to pay us a decent amount. So we decided to give it a try. My dad was supportive too and ready to take the risk of sending me to Mumbai. This experience changed my life. I really enjoyed working on the show.

Did you face any struggle?
The real struggle began after Gumrah. I had to learn a lot of things about the industry and that took me a very long time.  This resulted in losing out on work and even auditions. Slowly I realised that I need to find out if my audition is reaching the right people because a lot of times it did not, and I came to know about it later.

If not an actor what would you have been?
If acting had not happened, I would’ve joined my family business. In fact I still dream of running a business. After watching Aamir Khan in Ghajini, I wanted to be like the character he portrayed on screen. A successful businessman, all suited booted, running an office yet so down-to-earth.

Your name is Sagar is quite interesting, more so, because in this industry, it is often used in songs. Comment.
Yes, I know. Most people meeting me for the first time end up singing ‘sagar jaisi aankho vaali ye to bata tera naam hai kya’ (laughs). I enjoy all the attention that my name gets.

What changes did you see in the industry over the years?
I think much has changed in the last five years. When I entered this profession, there was no OTT. But see how within three-four years OTT has taken this industry to a new level. It has opened so many doors for everything, from actors to technicians. The industry is developing everyday, developing and adapting to changes, much like the audience, who have now become more accepting.
 
You are just 23. So do you think youth is on your side when it comes to the time that you have at hand to establish yourself in the industry?
The good part is that I can take things slowly and have no intention of rushing into things. But there are certain disadvantages too. When you are aged between 22 and 25, you neither look too young, nor too matured. So you are stuck in between and therefore grabbing roles at this age is really tough because you don’t fit in most of the time. I have been rejected many times and have been told that I look too young or too mature... But I take things very positively and invest the time working on my craft.

You have worked with Shivin Narang in Internet Wala Love. How has been the experience collaborating with the actor?
We share a strong bond like brothers from different mothers. He is like an elder brother who always guides me and is just a call away. If I have anything to ask I know he is the right person to call. I learned a lot of things while working on the show. He is really a nice human being and a dear friend.

Tell us about your character in Tera Yaar hoon Main?
I play the role of Lakshay, who is in love with his good friend Trishala (Neeharika Roy). Lakshay and TRishala are childhood buddies. Their love blossomed over the years but it was hidden from Trishala’s family, especially her father Rajeev Bansal (Sudeep Sahir), who is quite possessive about his daughter. Now, it’s time to tell him the real truth. Lakshya, who initially didn’t know what he wanted to do in his life, now has a job and feels now is the right time to confront Trishala’s father. It is almost like DDLJ. Much like Shah Rukh Khan, who tries to impress Kajol’s dad Amrish Puri, I am doing the same in the show. It is a romantic and cute kind of a track.
 
How is it collaborating with Sudeep Sahir on the show?
I have been a fan of his since my childhood. When boarding, I remember this song featuring him ‘Channa Vey Ghar Aaja Vey’ had been released and we all loved listening to this song. We all friends wanted to be like Sudeep Sahir at that time. We enjoyed watching him so much on screen, his expression, performance and smile made us all want to be like him. Never imagined that one day, I will get the opportunity to work with him. He is just a super human being and has taught me a lot about acting and this industry. He is like family. In him, I have someone who is always there to guide me. I feel grateful to have him in my life.
 
What are your views on friendship?
Friendship is family, away from family. Friends are your support system. We are lucky if we have this one true friend in our lives, who never leaves our side.
 
What did you learn from the pandemic?
I learned to be disciplined, respect my work, take care of my health and be there for my family.